🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.